Congratulations on your pregnancy, and welcome to our obstetrics practice! We would like to give you some basic information about ourselves and let you know some of the more important general guidelines for a healthy pregnancy. We will also try to answer some of the more common questions that we are asked. Since every patient is different, and every pregnancy is unique, this general information may not be enough for you, or entirely applicable to your specific situation.

Please feel free to write down anything you’d like to discuss further, or any other questions you may have, and bring them with you to your appointment. Our nurses and clinicians will usually have an answer or some reading material for you, or we can direct you to an appropriate source. Being informed and involved in your care will make for a healthier pregnancy.

About Our Practice

Our practice consists of physicians, nurse-midwives, and nurse practitioners who provide pre-natal care and support throughout your pregnancy. Our physicians are board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology by the American Board of OB/GYN, our nurse-midwives are certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives Credentialing Council, and our nurse practitioners by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Please see our bios which are available on our website. Our clinicians are specialists in managing both normal and high-risk pregnancies. Our nurse coordinators are available daily for phone advice and to assist you with any concerns. Each of us is dedicated to making your pregnancy and delivery as enjoyable and as safe as possible. Babies are delivered by our physicians at Yale-New Haven Hospital’s York Street campus. They share call days equally, delivering our patients who are in labor. We partner with another obstetrics practice in New Haven for coverage of some nights and weekends.

We admit our patients to Yale-New Haven Hospital Hospital’s York Street campus. The quality of nursing care in the labor and birth unit, as well as the nursery and neonatal unit, is excellent. We are fortunate to have a close professional relationship with Yale Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and from time to time we may refer our high-risk patients to them for consultation. While this is a group practice, we do offer individualized care. Some patients may prefer to select one clinician to see for prenatal visits, while others may prefer to rotate to all clinicians. Please let us know your preference.

While we will make every effort to accommodate your requests, clinicians’ schedules and emergencies may require some flexibility in scheduling appointments. We encourage our patients to take the opportunity to meet each of our delivering clinicians at a prenatal visit, usually in the last trimester, or when their clinician is not available. We work as a team, and we all have a similar approach to managing pregnancy, labor and delivery, which we have developed over the years. While we have not found this to be an issue for our patients, please discuss with us any concerns you may have over differences in style or information you have been given. Our group meets regularly to share information and updates about our patients.

Midwifery Option

Our members have the option (after the first three months of your pregnancy) for your care during pregnancy and delivery to be provided by the certified nurse-midwives affiliated with the Vidone Birth Center at the Saint Raphael Campus of Yale-New Haven Hospital. Details of this option can be found here: Options for Prenatal Care and Delivery.

Contacting Us

In an emergency

Our office phone is 203-432-0222. There is a menu that will allow you to speak immediately with someone for an emergency or extremely urgent problem, to make an appointment, or to leave a voicemail message for your clinician for a non-urgent matter such as questions, test results, etc.

In the case of labor or an emergency at night, during weekends, holidays, and after routine office hours, please call Acute Care at 203-432-0123. They will contact the on-call doctor who will return your call. Please stay by the phone and off the line. If you do not receive a call back within 15 minutes, please call again. Rarely, the page fails to go through, or the call doctor may be in a delivery or in surgery. If you feel this is a dire emergency that can’t wait, you should go directly to the hospital (call 911 if you feel it’s a life-threatening situation) and communicate this to Acute Care.

Office hours

If you need to get in touch with us Monday through Friday during the hours of 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. please call our office number (203-432-0222). For non-emergent calls, we will return your call as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that we are best able to respond to routine calls, including prescription refills and test results, during our regular office hours. Our preferred method for routine messages, results reporting and patient requests is MyChart, a portal to parts of your electronic medical record, that includes a confidential messaging service. We do not correspond with our patients via “regular” email because confidentiality may be compromised. This messaging service is not for urgent questions or emergencies, due to the potential time lag in responding.

Prenatal Care

Schedule of visits

The average length of a pregnancy is 40 weeks from the beginning of the last menstrual period (that is how we arrive at your due date). The first trimester lasts until 13 weeks, the second trimester until 26 weeks (viability starts at 24 weeks), and the third lasts until delivery.

We suggest that you make your first appointment at approximately 8–10 weeks from your last period. We will take a detailed history and provide you with general information about pregnancy. You will also see a clinician for a comprehensive physical exam. After your initial prenatal visit, the schedule of revisits will depend on how far along you are, and the the particulars of your pregnancy. In general, visits are every 4 weeks for the first two trimesters, then more frequently after 28 weeks, until the last month, when weekly visits begin. We recommend that you schedule all of your future prenatal appointments after your initial prenatal visit. If you pass your due date, we usually wait up to 2 weeks after the due date before recommending delivery.

Testing

Below is an outline of the basic tests we recommend. Further tests may be necessary for specific indications.

Advice and FAQs

Activity

We recommend maintaining your fitness level. Walking and swimming are good, safe activities. Due to changes in balance, please avoid the riskier sports, such as biking, rollerblading, etc. after the 2nd trimester. You should avoid activities that get you so short of breath you can’t talk easily. Saunas and hot tubs may raise body temperature, and so should be avoided. Sex is safe, unless you have certain complications that we would warn you about, until the very end of pregnancy.

Diet

It is very important to stay well hydrated. In the early part of pregnancy, even if you do not feeling like eating much, it is very important to drink fluids. Keep a water bottle with you and sip frequently. Please try to eat a “healthy” diet, avoiding saturated fats and oils, fried foods, etc. Please avoid raw/undercooked fish and meats, soft, runny cheeses and unpasteurized fruit juices and milk. Fiber-rich foods may help avoid the constipation and hemorrhoids common in pregnancy. While we recommend prenatal vitamins, they are not a necessity for a healthy, well-nourished woman. It is important, however, that pregnant women achieve a daily intake of 0.4 mg (400 mcg) of folic acid through the first trimester (to lower the risk of certain nervous system birth defects) as well as 30 mg of elemental iron and 1200 mg of calcium (from low-fat dairy products or supplements like Tums) throughout the pregnancy. Vitamin D is also recommended, 800–1000 I.U. per day. Read more about calcium here.

Weight gain

The average weight gain recommended is between 25–35 pounds, according to the Institute of Medicine. This may be more or less, depending on your baseline weight. Most of the weight gain occurs in the second half of pregnancy. Don’t be concerned if you have a small weight gain in the first few months (5–10 pounds). We do not recommend dieting during pregnancy.

Exposures

Especially during the first trimester, when organs are forming, it is important to try to avoid exposure to toxins, medicines, drugs, infections, etc. Although there is approximately a 2–3% chance of a congenital anomaly (birth defect) happening just by chance in any pregnancy, it still pays to avoid risk where you can. Below is a list of exposures you should be aware of during pregnancy.

Medications

Please inform us of all medicines you take. If another doctor wants to prescribe a medication, you or she/he should clear it with us first, even over-the-counter medicines. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is considered safe to use during pregnancy. We advise avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen or naprosyn unless prescribed by an obstetrician. Over-the-counter prescriptions safe during pregnancy:Acne: Benzoyl Peroxide Creams, Gels, WashesAllergies: Benadryl, Chlortrimeton, Claritin, ZyrtecConstipation: Colace (Docusate), Milk of MagnesiaBulk stool softeners: Citrucel (preferred), Metamucil, Fibercon, BenefiberHeadache or pain: Tylenol (acetaminophen) NOT to exceed 3000 mg in 24 hoursHemorrhoids: Tucks products, Preparation HHeartburn: Mylanta, Tums, Pepcid, ZantacNausea: Vitamin B–6 pills (+ ½ Unisom Sleep Tab)Vaginal Yeast Infection: Any generic or brand name over-the-counter anti-fungal, vaginal cream or suppository. Use 7 day treatment plan for optimal treatment. *All medications should be avoided during the First Trimester if possible. If you have any questions about medication or if symptoms persist or worsen, please contact OB/GYN at 203-432-0222.

Illicit drugs (cocaine,marijuana, etc.)

These substances should not be used at all, and especially in pregnancy. However, we should be informed of any past or current drug use to help us assess and lower your risk. Counseling is available for anyone who needs assistance.

Alcohol

Alcohol is known to cause abnormalities in the fetus. However, one or two glasses of alcohol before you realized you were pregnant are highly unlikely to cause a problem. We recommend you do not use alcohol once you know you are pregnant.

Cigarette smoking

Cigarette smoking, including second hand smoke, decreases the oxygen supply to your baby. It is associated with poor outcomes (such as low birth weight, prematurity and learning disabilities), not to mention the risk to your health. Please let us know if you are in need of assistance to quit smoking.

Caffeine

Caffeine in small amounts has not been associated with pregnancy problems.

Safety

You are now responsible for another life, so please be safe. Seat belts are safe in pregnancy. Make sure to wear the lap belt low, over your hip bones, not your belly. Shoulder belts add to safety. Keep your seat as far back as you can from the steering wheel and still have proper control of your car. Helmets are a necessity for activities such as biking (if you must) early in pregnancy. We also provide assistance and referral in cases of domestic violence.

Travel

Please inform your clinician of any travel plans so we can give you specific advice. Starting from four weeks before your due date, or earlier if you are advised not to travel by the Yale Health network obstetrician, charges associated with hospital admission will be covered only at Yale-New Haven Hospital York Street Campus. High risk pregnancy itself is not considered emergent and will not be an exception. The onset of labor that happens to occur while the mother is away from New Haven will not be an exception. Exceptions will be made only when the admission to another facility is for a potentially life-threatening condition. Please contact Member Services (203-432-0246) for any questions regarding Yale Health insurance coverage while traveling out of the area.

Immunizations

We recommend that all patients of infants be immunized against pertussis (whooping cough) in order to prevent bringing home this serious respiratory infection. The tetanus booster, Tdap, contains the vaccine for pertussis and it is safe in pregnancy. (Frequently Asked Questions for Patients Concerning Tdap Vaccination)All fathers-to-be should also be vaccinated. Tdap vaccination is recommended in the third trimester for each pregnancy. Flu vaccine is safe in pregnancy (we encourage our OB patients to be immunized), but you should not get a rubella or chicken pox (varicella) vaccine during your pregnancy.

Food Safety

What is foodborne illness?

It’s a sickness that occurs when people eat or drink harmful microorganisms (bacteria, parasites, viruses) or chemical contaminants found in some foods or drinking water.

Symptoms vary, but in general can include: stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headache, or body aches. Sometimes you may not feel sick, but whether you feel sick or not, you can still pass the illness to your unborn child without even knowing it.

Why are pregnant women at high risk?

You and your growing fetus are at high risk from some foodborne illnesses because during pregnancy your immune system is weakened, which makes it harder for your body to fight off harmful foodborne microorganisms. Your unborn baby’s immune system is not developed enough to fight off harmful foodborne microorganisms. For both mother and baby, foodborne illness can cause serious health problems—or even death (visit this FDA website for more information: www.foodsafety.gov/risk/pregnant).

There are many bacteria that can cause foodborne illness, such as E. coli O157:H7, Listeria and Salmonella. Here are Four Simple Steps you should follow to keep yourself and your baby healthy during pregnancy and beyond!

Four Simple Steps

1. Clean

Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap.

Wash hands before and after handling food, and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or handling pets.

Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and countertops with hot water and soap.

Rinse raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.

2. Separate

Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from ready-to-eat foods.

If possible, use one cutting board for raw meat, poultry, and seafood and another one for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Place cooked food on a clean plate. If cooked food is placed on an unwashed plate that held raw meat, poultry, or seafood, bacteria from the raw food could contaminate the cooked food.

3. Cook

Cook foods thoroughly. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature.

Keep foods out of the Danger Zone: The range of temperatures at which bacteria can grow—usually between 40° F and 140° F (4° C and 60° C).

2-Hour Rule: Discard foods left out at room temperature for more than two hours.

4. Chill

Your refrigerator should register at 40° F (4° C) or below and the freezer at 0° F (-18° C). Place an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator, and check the temperature periodically.

Refrigerate or freeze perishables (foods that can spoil or become contaminated by bacteria if left unrefrigerated).

3 Foodborne risks for pregnant women

As a mom-to-be, there are 3 specific foodborne risks that you need to be aware of. These risks can cause serious illness or death to you or your unborn child. Follow these steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Listeria

What it is: A harmful bacterium that can grow at refrigerator temperatures where mostother foodborne bacteria do not. It causes an illness called listeriosis.

Do not eat hot dogs and luncheon meats—unless they’re reheated until steaming hot.

Do not eat soft cheese, such as Feta, Brie, Camembert, “blue-veined cheeses,” “queso blanco,” “queso fresco,” and Panela—unless it’s labeled as made with pasteurized milk. Check the label.

Do not eat refrigerated pâtés or meat spreads.

Do not eat refrigerated smoked seafood—unless it’s in a cooked dish, such as a casserole. (Refrigerated smoked seafood, such as salmon, trout, whitefish, cod, tuna, or mackerel, is most often labeled as “nova-style,” “lox,” “kippered,” “smoked,” or “jerky.” These types of fish are found in the refrigerator section or sold at deli counters of grocery stores and delicatessens.)

Do not drink raw (unpasteurized) milk or eat foods that contain unpasteurized milk.

Methylmercury

What it is: A metal that can be found in certain fish. At high levels, it can be harmful to an unborn baby’s developing nervous system.

Where it's found: Large, long-lived fish, such as shark, tilefish, king mackerel, and swordfish.

How to prevent illness:

Don’t eat albacore (solid white) tuna, shark, tilefish, king mackerel, and swordfish. These fish can contain high levels of methylmercury..

It’s okay to eat other cooked fish/seafood as long as a variety of other kinds are selected during pregnancy or while a woman is trying to become pregnant. You can eat up to 12 ounces (2-3 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury. Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Another commonly eaten fish, albacore (“white”) tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna.

About Calcium

Calcium during pregnancy

During the last two trimesters of pregnancy and during breastfeeding, your body absorbs more calcium from food than when you are not pregnant. Your baby needs this extra calcium to build healthy teeth and bones. If you don't get enough calcium in your diet during pregnancy, the calcium your baby needs will be taken from your bones. Unfortunately, many women do not get enough calcium. The average woman gets only about 700 mg every day. Pregnant or lactating women need 1000 mg of calcium per day.

What you can do

Make sure you get enough calcium every day: before, during and after your pregnancy. Dairy products are the best food sources for calcium. Examples are low-fat or fat-free milk and yogurt, plus hard cheeses (cheddar, Swiss). Other good sources are dark green leafy vegetables (such as broccoli and kale) and tofu processed with calcium sulfate. Some foods, such as orange juice, cereals and crackers, are now fortified with calcium. If your total dietary calcium is less than what is recommended (see table below), you may need to either increase the calcium in your diet, or consider a calcium supplement.

Calcium supplements can help you get the recommended daily amount of calcium if you don't get enough in your diet. Look for supplements that contain calcium carbonate. They have the highest percentage of elemental calcium, the type of calcium your body readily uses.

Calculating your daily calcium intake

You can easily estimate the amount of elemental calcium you are getting from your diet using the following method:

Step 1Estimate the calcium from dairy products.About 75–80% of the calcium in American diets is from dairy products.

Product

Number of servings per day

Calcium content per serving, mg

Calcium, mg

Milk (8 oz)

x 300

=

Yogurt (8 oz)

x 400

=

Cheese (1 oz)

x 200

=

Total dairy calcium

=

Step 2

Total dairy calcium (total from Step 1)

_____ mg

Plus nondairy sources (= 250 mg)

+ 250 mg

Total dietary calcium

_____ mg

Calcium supplements

Type of calcium supplement with sample brands

Amount of elemental calcium per tablet (mg)

Calcium Carbonate

600

Caltrate

400

Ultra Mylanta Calcium Tabs

270

Extra Strength Rolaids

300

Tums E-X

500

One-A-Day Calcium Plus

500

Viactiv

500

Os-Cal 500

500

Os-Cal Chewable

500

Os-Cal 250

250

Calcium Citrate 21% elemental Ca

Active Calcium Tablets

135

Citracal

200

Calcium Gluconate 9% elemental Ca

Calcium Gluconate 650 mg

59

Calcium Gluconate 500 mg

45

Calcium Lactate 13% elemental Ca

Calcium Lactate 1000 mg

130

Calcium Lactate 650mg

85

Calcium Phosphate 39% elemental Ca

Posture-D

600

Calcium Phosphate 1600mg

624

Calcium Phosphate 800mg

312

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Beyond eating fish

Some women may choose not to eat fish, either because of concerns about mercury or because they are vegetarian. In this case, there may be questions regarding adequacy of intake of omega 3 fatty acids. This is an area of current research, and little information is known about the health risks and benefits of pregnant women taking either fish oil supplements or omega 3 fatty acid supplements. Below are some recommendations to consider should you choose not to eat fish during your pregnancy.

The following plant foods are good sources of the short chained omega 3 fatty acid Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), which may be converted in the body to the longer chained omega 3 fatty acids Elcosapentanaeoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexenoic Acid (DHA). DHA is the omega 3 fatty acid that is most important for the developing brain of the fetus.

Food sources of ALA

(2.2 grams of ALA per day)Aim for 2 servings per day (4-5 grams of ALA a day)

It is unknown at this time whether the rate of conversion of the short chained omega 3 fatty acids (ALA) found in foods is adequate to sustain desirable levels of the longer chained omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in the body. If you decide to take a fish oil supplement, make sure to obtain it from a company that purifies the fish oil to remove any contaminants such as mercury, pesticides or PCBs. Do not take more than 3000 mg (3 grams) per day. Should you decide to take a DHA supplement (a more concentrated form of certain omega 3 fatty acids), aim for 200–300 mg/day.

Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

Just about everyone knows that nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in early pregnancy. Women may experience “morning sickness” or the nausea may occur at other times of the day.

Please let us know if you are vomiting excessively (more than several times a day) or are unable to keep down liquids. We would want to see you in this case—dehydration may occur with excessive vomiting and we might want to give you IV fluids and/or anti-nausea medication.

There are a number of things you can do to help manage common nausea and vomiting.

Try to stay well hydrated with oral fluids. Carry a water bottle (or juice, ginger ale, herb tea, or any liquid that appeals to you) and sip throughout the day. Sometimes you will feel unwell if you try to drink too much all at once.

Keep some crackers at your bedside and eat a little bit before you get up in the morning.

Eat small frequent meals, whatever food you think is appealing or seems to make you feel better. In general, carbohydrate foods work well (crackers, bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, etc.). Take snacks with you if you are going to be out for more than an hour or two. Prepare your food simply—usually fried foods, buttery or fatty sauces and strong spices are not well tolerated.

Sometimes the prenatal vitamin causes nausea or gagging— it is okay to take an over-the-counter multivitamin instead (if it contains the recommended folic acid supplementation).

An over-the-counter preparation (well-proven to be safe and effective in pregnancy) may be used if significant symptoms persist. You may take 12.5 mg doxylamine (one half of a Unisom tablet) together with vitamin B6 25 mg 3–4 times a day. Be aware that treatment may make you feel drowsy.

We also use prescription medications in some cases, so again, please contact us if vomiting is a severe problem for you.

Warning Signs

First Trimester: An occasional cramp or spotting may occur in any pregnancy. However, 20% of pregnancies do miscarry in this trimester. Please call if you are having severe pain or cramps, fainting, or prolonged spotting or bleeding like a period or heavier. Pain with urination, severe back pain, or fever of 101°F or higher should also be reported.

Second Trimester:Pelvic pressure, persistent cramps or contractions, unusual vaginal discharge, or water from the vagina should be brought to our attention, in addition to the symptoms listed above.

Third Trimester: Any of the above, plus a noticeable, sustained decrease in the amount of fetal movements, should be reported. If you are more than a month from your due date, you should call if you are having painful contractions that occur more than 6 per hour and last for more than an hour despite hydrating, emptying your bladder and resting. Severe swelling (more than the usual lower leg swelling), severe headache, visual disturbances, significant abdominal pain, and diminished urine may also be danger signs.

Classes and Hospital Tours

Childbirth classes can help you prepare for the experience of labor and childbirth. They may help reduce your anxiety and enhance your experience. Please refer to the flyer in the folder. Yale-New Haven Hospital (203-688-9355) offers tours for expectant parents and any older siblings. The Departments of Obstetrics and Pediatrics at Yale Health offer breastfeeding classes at no charge; please click here for details.

Pediatrics

We encourage you to attend the Breastfeeding class provided for free by the Yale Health Pediatrics Department, yalehealth.yale.edu/attend-classes-and- events. If you enroll your child in Yale Health, a Yale Health pediatrician will examine your baby shortly after birth, at the hospital.

Care for a newborn is covered from the moment of birth, provided that the newborn meets the dependent eligibility criteria and is enrolled within 30 days of birth. If after 30 days the newborn child is not enrolled, services rendered to the newborn from the date of birth are not covered. If a clinician outside the Yale Health network is chosen to care for the newborn, the associated charges, including hospital charges, will not be covered. Please be sure to inform us so that your non-Yale Health pediatrician can be notified when you deliver.

Labor

You should call us (203-432-0222 during regular business hours or 203-432-0123 after hours) if you break your water (either a gush or trickling), if you have heavy bleeding, or when you’ve been having painful, regular contractions. You do not need to call just for a show (discharge of mucus, small amount of blood) or loss of your mucus plug. If this is your first baby, generally you should try to wait until contractions are very painful, coming every 3–4 minutes regularly for an hour, (timed from beginning to beginning of each contraction) and lasting 40–60 seconds.

Although you might be having pains before this, it is usually too early for admission to the hospital or for pain medication. We encourage you to go through the early part of labor walking around at home and feel it is best not to admit our labor patients (if all is well) until active labor (about 3–4 cm dilation).

If you have had previous births, depending on your history and your cervical exam, we usually recommend calling a little sooner, such as when contracting regularly every 4–6 minutes.

Pain medication, if relaxation methods are not adequate, is an option that you may request in labor. We may also suggest it in certain circumstances, but the decision is yours. We usually try to wait until you are in active labor. Options may include: intravenous medication, inhaled nitrous oxide, epidural or spinal anesthesia, depending on a number of factors. Please understand, though, that while the timing and choice of pain relief is based on your preferences, it sometimes is not possible to give pain medication if there is any question it will jeopardize the safety of mother or baby.

We encourage you to let us know about your preferences for your labor and birth. We always make an effort to accommodate these, as long as they do not compromise the health and safety of mother and baby. If we feel that it is inadvisable to accommodate one of your requests, we will be happy to explain.

Information Regarding Hospitalization for Delivery

Starting from four weeks before your due date, or earlier if you are advised not to travel by the Yale Health network obstetri­cian, charges associated with hospital admission will be covered only at Yale-New Haven Hospital’s York Street Campus. High risk pregnancy itself is not considered emergent and will not be an exception. The onset of labor that happens to occur while the mother is away from New Haven will not be an exception. Exceptions will be made only when the admission to another facility is for a potentially life-threatening condition.

The usual hospital stay is one to two days for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries and three to four days for caesarean deliveries.

Labor and Birth Visitation

Yale-New Haven Hospital understands the importance of visitors to mom and baby. We ask that you read the following visitation policy, so you and your family can have a supportive, pleasant, and safe environment.

Visiting the obstetrical triage area

The triage area is for testing and evaluating expecting mothers. Because of the type of exams, visiting is limited.

To make sure our patients are safe and their privacy is respected only one support person is allowed in the room. The hospital will give an identification band to the support person. He or she will need to have the band when entering the Labor and Birth unit.

Children are not allowed to visit the triage area.

Visiting the birthing room

Expectant moms may choose up to three friends or family members to be support persons and share in this special event.

The patient may name up to three friends or family members as support persons when she arrives to the unit. These three support persons will be the only visitors allowed in the Labor and Birth rooms.

Identification bands will be given to the three support persons. The bands can not be shared and are necessary to enter the Labor and Birth unit.

Brothers and sisters 12 years old and older, and watched by an adult, may visit and will be included in the three named support persons. All other children will be welcome on the postpartum unit.

People who won't be with the mother during birth may wait in the Family Waiting Room. We ask patients to tell other family members and friends to wait at home for news of the birth.

Other family members/visitors may visit new moms after the baby is born.

We ask the support persons to stay in the Labor and Birth room as much as possible to lower the number of people in the halls and protect the privacy of all patients.

Sometimes we ask the support persons to wait in the Family Waiting Room.

Visiting for a cesarean birth

Mothers who need to have a Cesarean Section will give birth in an operating room. After the birth she will move to the Recovery Room.

Only one support person is allowed in the Operating Room.

To respect the privacy and dignity of all new moms, only two of the named support persons may visit in the Recovery Room (PACU).

Children will not be allowed to visit in the Recovery Room. Children and other visitors are welcome to see mother and baby after they are moved to the postpartum unit.

Post Partum

Your stay in the hospital after delivery will usually be 1–2 days following a vaginal birth, and 3–4 days after a cesarean section. During this time, you will be kept comfortable as you rest, recover, and heal. Bringing home a new baby is a joyous occasion, a time to be cherished forever. There are many physical, emotional, hormonal, social, and family adjustments associated with this transition as well. Rest, quiet time with your immediate family and some help with the new responsibilities are very important, if possible.

Fatigue, stress, and the “baby blues” are the opposite side of the excitement. In some instances women experience postpartum depression. If you are concerned about marked mood changes, difficulty in coping, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please let us know immediately. We can refer you for help.

You will have bleeding, called lochia, which will taper off during the first few weeks after delivery. You should call us for any severe pain, prolonged heavy bleeding with clots, fever over 101°F, or any problem with incisions or stitches, or signs of breast infection. We recommend nothing in the vagina until after your postpartum checkup (usually 6 weeks after delivery). Please call our office to schedule your postpartum visit. If possible, try to schedule it with your delivering clinician. During this visit we will discuss contraception options.

Breastfeeding

We encourage virtually all of our patients to breast feed for as long as they can. There are many benefits for both baby and mother. The staff in the hospital is very helpful as new mothers are learning to nurse. Lactation consultants in our OB and Pediatrics Departments can provide advice and support. Increasing your fluid and calcium intake is important. Since many medications may pass into mother’s milk, please check with us before taking a new medicine. The pain medications we give postpartum are safe for lactation.

Breast pumps

Yale Health will provide eligible members with a Medela Pump In Style Advanced Double Electric Breastpump every three years. After 36 weeks of pregnancy, the OB/GYN Department can write you a prescription for the pump at your regularly scheduled visit and it can be picked up at the Yale Health Pharmacy. The pump must be picked up no later than 60 days following the date of the child’s birth. If you choose to purchase a different model breast pump you must submit a Supplemental Claim Form and you may be reimbursed for the cost of the breast pump up to $100. Your receipt must be dated within 60 days of the birth of your child and will need to clearly identify the purchase of a breast pump.

Please note replacement supplies, warranty, additional or replacement parts, damage or other issues related to the pump are the responsibility of the member. For questions about eligibility, please contact Claims at 203-432-0250

Your Questions

Please write down any questions, especially if you are unable to find appropriate answers in your reading material or if anything you read raises a concern. We are happy to answer these routine questions at your prenatal visits. Certainly, if you have any doubt that symptoms you are experiencing might be of a serious nature, you should call any time. During our office hours, our nurse coordinators or one of the clinicians should be able to answer your concerns. After hours, if you feel that the question is urgent and can’t wait, you can speak with the on-call doctor (see “Contacting Us”).

One important philosophy of our group is that you have the right to understand why we may be recommending certain tests, treatments or procedures during your pregnancy or in labor. We strive to keep you informed and involved in all decisions. If you do not understand why we are making a certain recommendation, by all means ask.